Tea has come a long way from the white-glove formality of Downton Abbey. A new generation of tea lounges has emerged, emphasizing that the drink is healthy and hip, says Karen Palmer, Good Taste editor of TastingTable.com. "Even though they're serving a centuries-old beverage, they're putting their new spin on it, and making it a modern place for everyday enjoyment." She shares some favorite spots with Larry Bleiberg for USA TODAY.

Dushanbe Tea House

Boulder, Colo.

The setting's as spectacular as the tea at this hand-hewn tea house transported from Boulder's sister city in Tajikistan. "It has a painted and carved ceiling, and 12 beautiful cedar columns," Palmer says. "It's an impressive atmosphere to enjoy your afternoon tea." The house offers a traditional English tea service with pastries and cucumber sandwiches. 303-442-4993; boulderteahouse.com

This Bohemian-style tea room was the first U.S. ofshoot of a collection of Czech tea lounges that originated in Prague shortly after the fall of communism. Other locations are in Madison, Wisc; Asheville, N.C.; and Portland, Maine. True to its Old World roots, it offers Monday night Tarot card readings along with tea. Customers also find a green mindset with an emphasis on recycled products, and locally made hand soap. 802-951-2424; Dobrateavt.com

Madame Zuzu's

Highland Park, Ill.

Rock star Billy Corgan of the Smashing Pumpkins indulged his weakness for tea when he opened this shop last fall in North Shore Chicago, along the Lake Michigan shore. Corgan played at the opening and the shop hosts weekly open mike nights to showcase local talent. "If you're a Smashing Pumpkins fan you might want to make a little trip," Palmer says. There are also lectures on health and wellness. 847-926-7434; madamezuzus.com

Plain-T

Southampton, N.Y.

Started by a former professional ballet dancer with a passion for tea's healthful benefits, this wholesaler also runs a weekend lounge focused on those qualities. "It holds different classes and tastings and specializes in whole-leaf teas grown in small family gardens," Palmer says. "This is a perfect example of a place combining modern design with 16-foot ceilings and a very minimalist chic decor that reflects its location out in Hamptons." 631-251-6316; plain-t.com/the-t-loft

Taste

San Francisco

This lounge focuses on Chinese and Taiwanese blends and traditions. It offers Gong Fu tea service (literally "tea with effort"), which is presented with a covered brewing bowl allowing guests to sample several varieties. "It's a slower, more thought-out presentation of the tea," Palmer says. And it comes with dim sum-inspired snacks like red bean buns, pork buns and sweet sesame balls. 415-552-5668; tasteteasf.com

High Garden

Nashville, Tenn.

Come to this Music City mecca for special tea blends designed to combat a variety of ailments including sore vocal chords and hangovers – both potential Nashville hazards. "They blend teas for specific functions or ailments. They have a tea called Sing that's particularly good for vocalists," Palmer says. 615-589-4252; highgardentea.com

The Hazel Room

Portland, Ore.

You'll find tea with a kick at this cafe, which serves tea cocktails along with other drinks and snacks. The building mixes Victorian elements with modern art. "This is not your typical tea room," Palmer says, noting menu items like the lemon myrtle drop. It's served cold and contains lemon myrtle tea, vodka, orange liqueur and a housemade lavender syrup. 503-756-7125; thehazelroom.com

The Steeping Room

Austin, Texas

Visitors choose from five different kinds of tea service, including one called the Kasbah Express, which includes an assortment of Middle Eastern appetizers, tea cookies and rosewater-honey-drizzled fruit. There's also a children's tea service and a happy hour with tea discounts. 512-977-8337; thesteepingroom.com

Seattle's Miro Tea lounge includes gallery space and donates all its commissions to charity.(Photo: mirotea.com)

Miro Tea

Seattle

Art and tea go together like a cup and saucer at this Seattle shop that includes gallery space and donates commissions to charity. The shop participates in the monthly Ballard neighborhood art walk on the second Saturday of the month. "You can enjoy the art and creativity of the local community while you're there," Palmer says. 206-782-6832; facebook.com/mirotea

Bellocq

Brooklyn, N.Y.

Once based in London, this upscale boutique and tasting room brings its offerings to the up-and-coming Greenpoint neighborhood. "They are known for their handcrafted blends of tea and they sell some design-minded tea accessories as well," Palmer says. The shop also has subscription a program offering a monthly artisan tea . 800-495-5416; bellocq.com